Pet Relief Areas at U.S. Airports
Finding animal and pet relief areas at U.S. airports is easy with our state-by-state listings of outdoor (pre-security) and indoor (post-security) pet and service animal relief areas (SARA).
Since May 2009 the Department of Transportation (DOT) has required all airlines to make sure there are service animal relief areas (SARAs) at airports, and escorts to those relief areas, for any passenger traveling with a service animal. As a result, airports everywhere have created and expanded animal relief areas that are open to all pets as well as service animals. Most animal and pet relief areas are located outside the airport terminals. Outdoor pet relief areas can range from no-frills grassy areas to fenced-in “pet parks” with all the amenities of a fully equipped dog park.
As of August 2016 federal regulation requires airports that service more than 10,000 passengers a year to establish at least one service animal relief area (SARA) inside each terminal. Although the requirement was designed to accommodate passengers traveling with service animals, pet owners and handlers working with law enforcement dogs also stand to benefit. Specially constructed facilities range from small, utilitarian spaces in obscure areas to entire rooms with finish materials that match nearby human restrooms. The areas must also be wheelchair-accessible and close to airline gates so service animals can access them regardless of whether they’re departing or arriving.
While many pet relief areas are merely small patches of fake grass in hidden corners of terminals, others are pet parks with real grass, faux fire hydrants and space to run and play. Airports across North America now offer post-security pet relief stations, including Chicago O’Hare International Airport’s Pet Relief Room complete with artificial grass covering, miniature fire hydrants and pop-up sprinkler systems to wash away liquid waste into a drain; and Detroit International Airport’s restroom for dogs with two patches of fake and real grass, and a sprinkler system to eliminate waste into drains below the grass.
More Information
A guide to in-terminal airport pet relief stations
Information on indoor and outdoor pet relief areas at airports in the U.S.
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Pet and Service Animal Relief Areas at International Airports
Australia: Perth Airport
Service Animal Relief Areas are located at Terminal 4 – ground floor, opposite check-in (behind car rental desks); and Terminal 1 – ground floor, behind check-in (enter via corridor next to check-in desk 40).
Finland: Helsinki Airport
Pet relief areas are located outside, near the entrance to Arrivals hall on floor 1, next to the bus station; and inside, Gate 51 – Non-Schengen area.
Ireland: Dublin Airport (DUB)
An assistance dog relief room is located in Terminal 2. As of January 30, 2024, DUB announces re-introduction of live animal screening facility for passengers departing from Dublin Airport.
Japan: Osaka International Airport (ITAMI)
The dog-specific relief area is located in the pick-up and drop-off area of the airport.
Turkey: Istanbul Airport
Pet rooms are located in the Departures area after security, upstairs near the IGA Lounge, or just follow the dog signs.
Find Pet Relief Areas at U.S. Airports
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